Worried that you or a loved one might have lupus? Learn the early signs and symptoms of the condition in this article.

What is Lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and a
wide variety of symptoms. Lupus affects each individual uniquely. Some people
have only a few mild symptoms and others have many.

Symptoms usually start in early adulthood, anywhere from the
teen years into the 30s. As with some other autoimmune diseases, people with lupus
generally experience flare-ups of symptoms followed by periods of remission.
That’s why early signs are easy to dismiss.

Because early symptoms are similar to those of so many other
conditions, having them doesn’t necessarily mean you have lupus.

Fatigue

A whopping 90 percent of people with lupus experience some
level of fatigue, according to the
Johns Hopkins Lupus Center. An afternoon nap does the trick for some people,
but sleeping too much during the day can lead to insomnia at night. It may be
hard to do, but if you can remain active and stick to a daily routine, you may
be able to keep your energy levels up.

If you are living with debilitating fatigue, speak to your
doctor. Some causes of fatigue can be successfully treated.

Unexplained Fever

One of the early signs of lupus is a low-grade fever for no
apparent reason. Because it may hover somewhere between 98.5 and 101 degrees
Fahrenheit, you won’t necessarily think to see a doctor. People with lupus may
experience this type of fever in an on-again, off-again fashion. Low-grade
fever could be a sign of inflammation, infection, or imminent flare-up. If you
have recurrent, low-grade fevers, make an appointment to see your doctor.

Hair Loss

Thinning hair is often one of the first signs of lupus. Hair
loss is the result of inflammation of the skin and scalp. Some people with
lupus lose hair by the clump, but more often, hair thins out slowly. Some
people also have thinning of the beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other body hair.
Lupus can cause hair to feel brittle, break easily, and look a bit ragged,
earning it the name “lupus hair.”

Lupus treatment usually results in renewed hair growth.
However, if you develop lesions on your scalp, hair loss in those areas may be
permanent.

Skin Rash or Lesions

One of the most visible signs of lupus is the
butterfly-shaped rash that appears over the bridge of the nose and both cheeks.
About 50 percent of people with lupus have this rash, according to the
Johns Hopkins Lupus Center. The rash can occur suddenly or appear after
exposure to sunlight. Sometimes the rash comes out just before a flare-up.

Lupus can also cause non-itchy lesions in other areas of the
body. Rarely, lupus can cause hives. Many lupus patients are sensitive to the
sun, or even artificial lighting. Some experience discoloration in the fingers
and toes.

Kidney Inflammation

People with lupus can develop a kidney inflammation called
nephritis. Inflammation makes it harder for the kidneys to filter toxins and
waste from the blood.

Symptoms include swelling in the lower legs and feet, and
high blood pressure. You may have a pain in your side and your urine may be a
bit darker than usual. Early signs may go unnoticed. Once diagnosed, monitoring
of kidney function is recommended.

Painful, Swollen Joint

Inflammation can cause pain, stiffness, and visible swelling
in your joints, particularly in the morning. It may be mild at first, gradually
becoming more obvious. Like other symptoms of lupus, joint problems can come
and go.

If over-the-counter pain medications don’t help, see your healthcare
professional. There may be better treatment options, but your doctor must
determine if your joint problems are caused by lupus or another condition, such
as arthritis.

Gastrointestinal Problems

Some people with lupus experience occasional heartburn, acid
indigestion, or other gastrointestinal problems. Mild symptoms can be successfully
treated with over-the-counter antacids. If you have frequent bouts of acid
indigestion or heartburn, try cutting down on the size of your meals. Avoid
beverages containing caffeine. Don’t lie down right after a meal. If symptoms
continue, see your doctor so other conditions can be ruled out.

Thyroid Problems

It is not uncommon for people with lupus to develop
autoimmune thyroid disease. The thyroid helps control your body’s metabolism. A
poorly functioning thyroid can affect vital organs like your brain, heart,
kidneys, and liver. It can result in weight gain or weight loss. Other symptoms
include dry skin and hair, as well as moodiness.

An underactive thyroid is known as hypothyroidism and an
overactive one is called hyperthyroidism. Various treatments to get your
metabolism back on track are available.

Dry Mouth, Dry Eyes

If you have lupus, you may have dry mouth. Your eyes may
feel gritty and dry, too. That’s because some lupus patients develop Sjogren’s
syndrome, another autoimmune disorder. Sjogren’s syndrome causes malfunctioning
of the glands responsible for tears and saliva. In some cases, women with lupus
may also experience dryness of the vagina.

Your doctor can prescribe medications that help increase
tear and saliva production.

Other Symptoms

The list of potential symptoms of lupus is lengthy. Other
symptoms include muscle pain, chest pain, osteoporosis, and depression. Rare
symptoms include anemia, dizziness, and seizures.

Fortunately, not everyone gets every symptom. While new
symptoms can appear on the scene, old ones often disappear.

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